Businesses react to snap general election

Industry groups have expressed concern on the wider issues that could impact businesses in wake of the general election announcement.

Prime minister Theresa May announced plans to call for a snap general election on 8 June 2017.

In response to the decision, organisations revealed the election campaign may overshadow some of the wider issues affecting businesses such as automation, pro-business taxation, skill gap, investment in infrastructure and trade.

Stephen Martin, director general of the Institute of Directors said these issues “can’t be ignored” in run-up to the election and that the voice of businesses must be heard in the decision-making process.

Adam Marshall, director general at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Many business communities will understandably be concerned that attention will inevitably shift from the economy and the intricacies of leaving the EU to a potential election campaign. Firms will want to be reassured that the key challenges facing the economy will be front and centre throughout any election period.”

Carolyn Fairbairn, director general at Confederation of Business Industry, said:

“It is essential to get the UK’s foundations right: from building a skills base for the next generation, to investing in infrastructure, energy and delivering a pro-enterprise tax environment.”